Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 20, Number 96, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 August 1899 — More About the Railroad. [ARTICLE]

More About the Railroad.

A Few Reasons Why Every Effort Should Be Made to Secure It. The article in last evenings Republican in regard to the Gifford railroad has been the principal topic of conversation sinoe and the project is receiving the hearty endorsement of all- In fact the feeling amounts to enthusiasm right now and advocates of the enterprise can be found in nearly every business house in the city, showing that a great deal of thought has been giuen the matter and the benefit to be derived from another road are fully realized. The evidence in the case is so patent that it is hardly necessary to make an argument but we take pleasure in citing a few reasons why Rensseloer should make eveiy effort to have Mr. Gifford change his proposed route and come through this city. In the first place this road would be of much more benefit than the branch of the C. & E. 1., which runs west of town, yet at time of its construction the necessity for a second road was recognized and over $30,000 pledged, but the company refused this way for less than $50,000. Now Mr. Gifford comes to the front and offers that which is wanted for $12,000, simply enough to defray the expense of construction over the change of route, a ptfltry sum in exchange for an enterprise which will benefit every resident of the city and the territory it passes through. It is a well known fact that competition would reduce freight rates. As it is now freight is frequently as high from Rey nolds to Rensselaer as it is from Philadelphia to Reynolds. Reduced rates means cheaper goods to the consumer and higher prices for the commodities he has to sell, and its construction would furnish employmen tto a good many laborers. That it would give the city a substantial boom is unquestioned, thus giving employment to men, who at present are forced to seek labor in outside fields. As the northern terminus will be at Hammond and thence into Chicago over the Pan Handle it would give increased passenger facilites. It will connect with the Pan Handle on the south and then on into the coal fields. It would not only be of great accommodation but of substantial benefit There are two ways in which the money required may be secured, by public subscription or levyingja township tax. The business sagacity of Mr. Gifford, who has already invested thousands of dollars in the enterprise, issuffient guarantee that the road will be of a substantial and beneficial character, and no time should be lost in making a hearty and unanimous endeavor to bring it through Rensselaer. The time is ripe for a concerted movement in this matter and it is to the interest of everyone that steps be taken at once to give us another railruad.